It's the end of the runway for Legend Airlines
Inc.
The startup carrier surrendered its operating certificate Monday
to Federal Aviation Administration officials, ending its quest to
continue the first long-haul flights from Love Field in 25 years.
"It's very sad," said T. Allan McArtor, Legend's chief
executive and co-founder, of the surrender. "It would probably be
easier to put a child up for adoption."
Airline executives have been struggling to bring Legend back to
service after shutting down operations in December and filing for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from creditors. The airline was
expected to take the first steps toward liquidating its assets this
week.
Last month, Legend executives had been unsuccessful in selling
its operating certificate. The certificate was picked up by FAA
representatives Monday morning.
"We have it," said FAA spokesman John Klabes. "They no longer
hold a certificate to fly."
Legend flew a fleet of seven 56-passenger DC-9s, outfitted with
leather seats and in-flight televisions, from Dallas to Los
Angeles, Las Vegas, Washington and New York City.
The airline shut down operations after losing $44.7 million
since its launch in 1996.
American Airlines and the city of Fort Worth, a partner in
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, had tried to block Legend
from offering service from Dallas Love Field, near downtown Dallas,
but Legend won a lengthy court battle and began flying last April.
But a month later, American began offering its own
all-first-class flights from Love Field.
Craig Hall, a Dallas real estate developer and Legend's first
investor, said competition with American "always was the most
challenging part of the deal."
Hall lost faith in the concept before the carrier's first flight
and sold his 23 percent stake for a small profit.
